A 'temporary fix' that lasted years and allegedly cost a teenager his safety

A federal civil rights lawsuit filed by the Sam Bernstein Law Firm alleges that systemic failures at the Wayne County Juvenile Detention Center enabled the sexual abuse of Rashard Calhoun, a former detainee, by staff member Svetlana Kuryanova. The suit, which names 20 defendants including county and state officials, claims surveillance footage documented extended inappropriate conduct and broader neglect, such as inadequate supervision, deprivation of basic needs, and unsafe conditions. Kuryanova was later convicted and sentenced for criminal sexual conduct involving multiple juveniles. The complaint argues these abuses are part of a pattern of institutional failures that have persisted despite previous reports, investigations, and leadership changes.